READINGS
I’m almost almost done with The Art of Non-Conformity, the bulk of which I read in Puerto Rico. I plan on knocking out the last few pages tonight or tomorrow. I’ve been browsing Creative, Inc. and Anti 9-to-5 Guide, both of which strike me as books you don’t need to read chronologically in order to use well. Creative, Inc. is going to be a big help the next month as I expand my photography portfolio and prepare some releases (more on that below). The only other reading I’ve touched is The Gifts of Imperfection. I watched Brene Brown’s TED Talk before I started reading the book, and am slowly digesting her thoughts on vulnerability. This month has not been a month of getting lost in books, including fiction.
FIELD TRIPS
I’ve been emailing back and forth with Father Jerome the past couple weeks, and have been unable to find a weekend that matches my schedule and the Abbey’s availability. At this point I think I’m going to have to look beyond the Abbey for my retreat. I’m bummed, and regret the fact that I didn’t plan further ahead. I’m determined to go away for a weekend by myself, and have a number of ideas to explore. I want to pick the weekend by the end of this week, and have a reservation by the middle of next.
I forgot to write about my yoga class in Puerto Rico during the last update. It was lovely, and it satisfied one of my five required sessions. My “mid-term evaluation” is due in a few days, and I think the yoga requirement is one of the areas I’m going to tweak. My intention was to become more disciplined and energized in relation to my physical activity, and I thought yoga would be the easiest/best path for doing so. In the past month however, Sean and I joined a local fitness club and I’ve found myself there at least three times a week. I’ve also joined a volleyball league with several of my girlfriends. Between the club and the league, I feel like I’m well on my way to being more discipline and energized. I feel great.
WRITING ASSIGNMENTS
I’ve really sucked at this part, there’s no other way to put it. I’ve rarely met my weekly goal of writing 750 words three times a week. I might consider tweaking this part of the syllabus during my mid-term evaluation, we’ll see. It really embarrasses me to admit that I’ve no other excuse besides laziness. So there.
PHOTOGRAPHY ASSIGNMENTS
I’ve been doing better on this front, and perhaps it makes sense that while one passion has my attention (photography) the other suffers (writing). This Saturday I attended the required orientation to the light-kit rental at Squeaky Wheel. I am now able to rent the light-kit and create my photo-booth. Steve and I are coming up on a our fourth year as homeowners, and we have an idea about hosting a cocktail party in the finished studio space up front to celebrate. My new fantasy is to have the professional lit photo booth at this shindig. Another thing I need to get on the calendar. Also need to finish the studio space, eek!
I have not reached out to any wedding or family photographers because I wanted to wait until we hired our own for the wedding. I thought the possibility of being someone’s paying customer could add a weird vibe to any interview/coffee requests I set up. Now that we have our photographer, I’m ready to reach out to a few professionals.
In an effort to build my portfolio, I’ve developed an offer for free professional head shots and will be sending it out to some local non-profits in the near future. I want to get some experience photographing individuals and groups while helping out organizations I love. I plan on making a similar offer to a few couples and families, and have started developing the terms of the offer.
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So there’s my March update. I’m trying to remain gentle with myself, and remember that this syllabus was created for fun just as much as for seriousness. And that I’m planning a wedding and working full time. Still, I want to push myself. Admitting that I’ve slacked on the writing was hard, and it raises a lot of questions for me about my interest and commitment. I’m hoping that my retreat will nudge me towards some answers.
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heather - For writing, have you tried 750words.com? It’s kind of silly, but it’s actually kept me on track with writing in a way nothing else has. It’s designed for journalling, really, but you can use it for anything–I use it for a mix of journalling, fiction-writing, and blog-drafting. Before I joined, I was writing maybe once every two weeks, and now I’ve written everyday since I first signed up. Apparently I’m just a sucker for statistics. At any rate, I would definitely recommend it if you’re having trouble sticking with a writing schedule.
Magda - I love your honesty in this. I’d love to see you push your vulnerabilities and thoughts even more! Maybe writing up a blog of 750 a week is good? Because writing 750 words 3x is a lot I think… and I’m also a grad student. ;oP
I hope I’m not out of line to say this.
Teresa - Sometimes I think we tell ourselves we WANT to do things when we really just feel like we SHOULD be doing them. Or we turn a want into a should and it immediately becomes less about creative joy and more about work. Yes, writing takes discipline and gets easier with regular practice, but if the others things you are doing are filling that need for a creative outlet, give yourself a break. It will still be there when you return. You have a lot going on in your life right now so give yourself a break. You have made fantastic progress and you are learning so much on this journey, and that is what is important.
Teresa - Also, I am planning a 24 hour silent retreat for the end of April. The monastery is not a good fit for me, so I am going to a bed and breakfast in Angelica, NY. I am just trying to work out the details now. It is a charming little town, and just far enough to feel like you are really getting away.
whitney - @heather – yes, I love 750words.com! Everything about it is great.
@magda – not out of line at all, no worries. thanks for the feedback & support. I am still trying to figure out how to be vulnerable in this space, to be honest. trying, trying.
@teresa – thanks, xo. I’m looking at a cabin place near Angelica! I’ve never been but it sounds lovely. I’m excited you’re going out there
ka - hey stranger!
i’ve been meaning to check in on your progress for ages now. i’m glad you’re still sticking with it! i’ve had similar ups and downs with the writing/blogging goals in particular, but am still glad to have put this framework in place. Come to think of it, it’s almost time for the April check-in…
And I think I’ll read the Art of Non-Conformity next! I jumped into Brene Brown because I was so excited about it, and it was amazing. But I feel it deserves a re-read and tons of highlighting too… Have you gotten to much of that one?
Also your photos are wonderful. Discovering photography is definitely on here for a reason.
Particularly the ones of San Juan are so inspiring right now because they are reminding me of the one thing on the syllabus that I have been actively ignoring — making time for play.